Over
the past few weeks I had written in my blogs reminding us that evangelism is
not an event, but a process, a lifestyle guided for the Holy Spirit that itself
becomes a witness in this world. I
reminded you of the constant need for conversion even for those IN the church
already. We cannot give what we do not
have. Studying the Sabbath School lesson
two weeks ago on Jesus’ approach to missions I noted how the memory verse (August
8) set the context for being sent on a mission – “Peace be with you!” First we must have this SHALOM – integrity,
wholeness, having it altogether – then we are safe to be sent. If we do not have the Gospel within, if we
are not converted daily by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we cannot
be sent to just talk the trivia or book knowledge. Last week my reflection was on the need of
follow up – the teaching process precedes the baptism, and continues after
(Matthew 28:19-20). We must continue
mentoring, teaching, building up new believers.
As
I look at the Summer 2015 Ontario Highlights – the main focus is retention:
shutting the back door, I want to invite all of you to take a personal
responsibility for re-connecting with those who had left. Elders of the South church met last week to
consider those in need of reconnecting, and the list is over 100 names! One person who had not attended the church
since 2012 stopped by on Wednesday as VBS was being set up to talk to people in
the parking lot – it was evangelism too.
How do we fix the “leaky bucket,” how do we bring back the lost
generation? How much of your day is
occupied in prayer for your friends and family who are not in the Body of
Christ, the Church?
As
I reflect on the VBS I am reminded of the prophetic words about the end times:
“When heavenly intelligences see that men
are no longer permitted to present the truth, the Spirit of God will
come upon the children, and they will do a work in the proclamation of the
truth which the older workers cannot do because their way will be hedged up. In
the closing scenes of this earth's history many of these children and youth
will astonish people by their witness to the truth, which will be borne in
simplicity, yet with spirit and power. They have been taught the fear of the
Lord, and their hearts have been softened by a careful and prayerful study of
the Bible. In the near future many children will be endued with the Spirit of
God and will do a work in proclaiming the truth to the world that at that time
cannot well be done by the older members of the church. Our church schools are ordained by God to prepare the children for
this great work. Here children are to be instructed in the special
truths for this time and in practical missionary work.” (Adventist Home,
489)
As
the authorities debate should women be allowed to preach, we are to think that
there will be time when even men, ordained and authorized would not be able to
share the Gospel, and the children and youth will do the work of
evangelizing. Are we training our youth? Are we preparing adequately our children? Do we take seriously the Church School? Is your kid of school age enrolled in the
School where Bible is taught daily and where the Spirit of Prophecy is used for
instruction?
As
we pray about establishing Evangelistic culture, lets consider every parcel,
every aspect, every detail of this Evangeliving.
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